For several seasons, Epaulet has been producing top-notch sneakers based on canonical styles using premium materials. Sourcing inspiration from classics like German Army Trainers, the Adidas Stan Smith, and Nike’s Air Force One, they’ve brought patina to fruition for many.
For the return of their popular Unfinished Horsehide project, they’ve added two new styles into the mix: the Hermosa High and the Hermosa Low. Culling Southern California style for this release, the Hermosa High and Hermosa low bear resemblance to the Vans Sk8 Hi and Old Skool styles respectively (minus the side stripe). But the resemblance ends abruptly at the silhouette. Everything else about the shoe has taken a few steps up.
On the outside you’ll find natural, vegetable-tanned Italian front quarter horsehide that’s been tanned for five weeks. The result is an extremely soft leather that requires minimal break in. Inside, you’ll find kidskin glove leather lining and a removable leather insole. All of that stacked on top of Italian margom rubber soles completes the superfluous sneakers.
Epaulet is taking pre-orders through midnight PST May 3, but they only have enough leather for 200 pairs, so don’t wait. The Hermosa High is available for $275, the Hermosa Low is available for $250 and they’re both on Epaulet’s website.
